Iowa Hawkeyes

Head Coach

Kirk Ferentz	10th year
07-08	6-6
Big Ten	4-4
FCR	65

Previous Season Wins

Head Coach - Kirk Ferentz enters his 10th season at Iowa and after a three year run of 31-7 and two Big 10 titles they’ve managed only 19 wins in the last three years. They struggled mightily on offense last year and although seven starters return there are questions at the skill slots. The defense was solid in 07’ but needs to replace six starters, the fans have been patient but they’re beginning to get testy.

Quarterback - Jake Christensen returns as the Hawkeye quarterback, the junior struggled last season as the line was an issue and he was sacked 46 times, still he managed to throw for 2,269 yards and 17 TD’s with only six interceptions. He’s not much of a threat to run and he’ll need better protection if Iowa hopes to increase their scoring offense.

Running Backs - Graduation has hit the Hawkeyes hard and the running back position is still up for grabs. Walkon Paki O’Meara had the best spring and came out of spring number one on the depth chart. JUCO Nate Guillory and true freshman Jeff Brinson will get a long look this fall before the season begins. Junior Shonn Greene is a wildcard in that he played for the Hawkeyes in 05’ and 06’ put was in the JUCO ranks last season, if he’s back he’s a power back with skills. At fullback senior Jordan McLaughlin is an Iowa wrestler who has claimed the starting position.

Receivers - Derrell Johnson-Koulianos returns on the outside for Iowa, the sophomore wide receiver led the team with 38 receptions for 42 yards and two TD’s. Senior Andy Brodell has claimed the other spot and at tight end senior Tony Moeaki returns, he was a big part of the offense but suffered a season ending injury in Week 4.

Offensive Line - Well they return all five starters but they struggled mightily in pass protection, their led be senior Seth Olson at right guard and junior Rafael Eubanks at center both were Honorable Mention All-Big 10 last season. At left tackle is Bryan Bulaga, at right tackle will be left guard Kyle Calloway and left guard look for Dan Doering, sophomore Julian Vandervelde and senior Rob Bruggeman will contend for playing time.

Defensive Line - The defensive front is led by seniors Matt Kroul at nose tackle and at tackle Mitch King, they are excellent against the run and King had 4 ½ sacks on his way to being named 1st team All-Big. The Hawkeyes must replace both ends and sophomores Christian Ballard and Adrian Clayborn emerged from spring as the starters on the outside.

Linebackers - On the outside junior A.J. Edds returns, he is the teams leading returning tackler and is a force against the run. On the inside look for sophomore Jacody Coleman and at the other outside position will be a battle between sophomores Jeremiah Hunter and Jeff Tarpinian.

Defensive Backs - Iowa is set at the safeties with senior strong safety Harold Dalton and sophomore Brett Greenwood, who’ll be the free safety, they combined for 94 tackles and a couple of interceptions. At cornerback senior Bradley Fletcher has locked down one spot and sophomores Jordan Bernstine and Amari Spievey will battle for the other starting assignment.

Special Teams - At placekicker sophomore Daniel Murray will battle junior Austin Signor, both played last year and both struggled. Sophomore punter Ryan Donahue had an excellent freshman campaign, he averaged 41.1 yards and his hang time allows for excellent coverage on his kicks. On the kick returns look for sophomore Johnson-Koulianos and handling the punt returns will be sophomore Paul Chaney.

Schedule - They should be 3-0 when they travel Pitt, after that they ease into the Big 10 with games against Northwestern, Michigan St and Indiana. The Hawkeyes have questions on both sides of the ball but they also have plenty of talent. It’ll be an up and down year for Iowa and much like last year and Ferentz will begin to feel the heat. Middle of the pack in the Big 10 and not more than 5 wins this season.